- Aston Villa loanee Tommi O’Reilly is attracting interest from clubs in England
- It is likely he will depart on a permanent move in the summer
- His current contract runs until 2028
Aston Villa loanee Tommi O’Reilly looks set to leave his boyhood club permanently this summer, as his stock continues to rise following a standout campaign in League Two. Currently flourishing at Crewe Alexandra, he has sparked a multi-club pursuit for his signature.
According to Alan Nixon via Patreon, Portsmouth and Oxford United are among the clubs interested in the 22-year-old. Bolton Wanderers and Huddersfield Town have also been linked previously with him.
Pompey may hold a significant advantage in the race. Their recent form has secured their place in the Championship for next season, whereas the U’s face relegation to League One.
The Wanderers may also be in a strong position, as they could be promoted to England’s second tier via the play-offs. Meanwhile, Huddersfield will remain in League One.
Academy prospect
O’Reilly joined Villa’s academy at the age of nine. He has progressed through the ranks, becoming captain of the U-21s and was part of the U-18 side that won the 2021 FA Youth Cup. He made his first-team debut in 2023, when he came on as a second-half substitute in the Europa Conference League against HŠK Zrinjski.
Since then, he has had spells at Real Union, Shrewsbury Town and MK Dons, but has failed to produce the level of attacking output he’s shown this season. With the Railwaymen, he has totalled 21 goal contributions in 49 games across all competitions. His performances has earned him both the fan’s Player and Players’ Player of the Year awards.
The Englishman has mainly played on the right, but can also operate centrally. He has been Crewe’s leading creative spark, with 14 assists in League Two. However, can he make the jump to the Championship?
At his peak value
For Aston Villa, this summer represents the logical time to cash in. Given his age and current form, O’Reilly is at his peak market value. Despite his obvious quality, breaking into Unai Emery’s Champions League squad remains a tall order.
Furthermore, Villa’s ongoing navigation of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and UEFA’s Squad Cost Rules (SCR) makes the sale of academy graduates an attractive proposition.
While the departure of a homegrown talent is always bittersweet, the pure profit generated from such a sale is essential in the current landscape. After over a decade at the club, O’Reilly appears ready to take the next step in his career.
